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ABSTRACT Background Method Result Conclusion Public health and social measures (PHSMs) are considered the most effective approaches for controlling epidemic diseases. This study aimed to explore variations in the time‐dependent characteristics of and public preferences for cosmetic treatments during and after the implementation of PHSMs during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Medical records from six medical institutions were extracted retrospectively. Time–series analyses were conducted to reveal the variations in characteristics in volume and proportion of cosmetic treatments according to PHSMs. A cross‐sectional study was conducted with online questionnaire designed for the general population during and after the implementation of PHSMs.A total of 141 033 records were included in this retrospective study. The implementation of PHSMs led to extremely low treatment volumes; compared with the increases in private hospitals, the treatment volumes in public hospitals exhibited earlier and more significant increases, even higher than pre‐PHSM levels (p < 0.05), which mainly contributed to the increase in plastic surgery volumes during and after the implementation of PHSMs. The differences in the anxiety state, self‐perceived appearance, and cosmetic treatment intentions of the participants were illustrated during and after PHSMs. We further demonstrated the participants' decisions on cosmetic treatments after the implementation of PHSMs during the COVID‐19 pandemic.The immediate effects and aftereffects of PHSMs on cosmetic treatments were different in public and private hospitals. Furthermore, as PHSMs guided the adjustment of cosmetic treatments in the post‐COVID‐19 era, the intention to undergo cosmetic treatment during PHSMs was associated with the anxiety states and preferences of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Method Results Conclusion Eyebrows play a crucial role in the human body. While Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a widely utilized and highly effective treatment for typical eyebrow deficiencies, it may not yield satisfactory outcomes for patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars and defects.A prospective comparative clinical study was conducted to explore the treatment outcomes of post‐traumatic eyebrow scars accompanied by defects using a combination of ablative fractional CO2 laser therapy with FUE.Between January 2019 and January 2023, we enrolled 30 patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars and accompanying eyebrow defects, randomly assigning them to experimental and control groups. Patients in the control group received FUE treatment exclusively, whereas patients in the experimental group underwent CO2 fractional laser therapy on the eyebrow scars prior to FUE treatment. Alongside the patients' baseline data and the quantity of transplanted follicular units during surgery, we will compare the follicular survival rates between the two groups at 6 and 12 months post‐treatment.Prior to FUE, there were no notable variances in baseline data between the two‐patient groups. At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the follicular survival rate in the experimental group was significantly higher compared to the control group. Additionally, patients in the control group were more prone to experiencing postoperative asymmetry between their eyebrows and developing curly hair.For patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars accompanied by eyebrow defects, we applied ablative fractional CO2 laser therapy in combination with FUE treatment. This approach not only resulted in a higher follicular survival rate postoperatively but also led to the achievement of a well‐defined eyebrow shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmetic periorbital and eyelid surgery is a commonly performed procedure in facial plastic surgery. Understanding the biomechanics of periorbital anatomy and its role in aesthetic surgery is essential for achieving optimal outcomes. This review explores the biomechanical processes involved in periorbital age changes and analyzes the impact of cosmetic surgery approaches on these processes. By maintaining the initial mechanical equilibrium of the brows, eyelids, septal fat, and blepharoplasty folds, periorbital and eyelid cosmetic surgery can effectively rejuvenate the appearance. Disruption of this equilibrium can lead to the migration of anatomic components, resulting in signs of aging. Surgeons, by applying biomechanical concepts, can tailor the forces exerted upon the different structures to manifest the patient's aesthetic aspirations. The key to success in periorbital and eyelid cosmetic surgery lies in re-establishing a dynamic mechanical equilibrium within the periorbital framework., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.)

This paper presents the findings of an observational study involving 38 patients to evaluate the application of a surgical technique utilizing an autologous costal cartilage scaffold for correcting nasal tip and alar asymmetry in unilateral cleft lip-nasal deformity. Nasal septum extension spreader grafts (SEG) and warped alar batten grafts, both made from autologous costal cartilage, were utilized in open rhinoplasty procedures. The warped alar batten graft was fixed to the caudal end of the SEG, with the lower lateral cartilage on the cleft side suspended to the free part of the newly created warped alar batten graft to lift the collapsed nasal alar further. Measurements of nasal tip height, nostril height, and the intersection angle of the nasal sill and alar (α) were taken before and after surgery, comparing the ratios between the normal and cleft sides. Patients were followed up for 2.5 to 5.5 years, with all cases showing successful healing and no complications. Postoperative improvements in nasal tip and nostril asymmetries were significant, with statistically significant changes observed in nasal tip height, nostril height, and the intersection angle of nasal sill and alar (α) (P<0.05). The combined use of SEG and warped alar batten graft, both crafted from autologous costal cartilage, effectively corrected nasal tip and alar asymmetry in adult cleft lip nasal deformity cases., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Background: Reconstruction of composite scalp and skull defects is a great challenge for plastic surgeons, and this study aimed to report the therapeutic regimen of using free ALT flaps with fascia lata and vastus lateralis muscle to cover scalp and cranial defects., Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed including 10 patients with composite scalp and skull defects who were treated with a free ALT flap with fascia lata and vastus lateralis muscle from January 2012 to June 2020. All patients underwent a 1-stage operation and were followed up for 1 year with clinical data including sex, age, etiology, skull defect area, scalp defect area, flap area, dura mater involvement, recipient vessel, donor site repair, lumbar cistern drainage, and complications., Results: All flaps survived well, 2 patients developed complications, one had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and another experienced partial skin graft necrosis; All patients were satisfied with both the appearance and functional outcomes of the procedure., Conclusion: Free tissue transplantation is an effective method for large defects of the scalp and skull. The combination of a free ALT flap with fascia lata and vastus lateralis muscle, which has a long pedicle, convenient flap designs, less donor-site morbidity, and effective prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, is an ideal choice to repair the composite scalp and cranial defects in stage 1., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Background: Exogenous growth factor presents promising soft tissue regeneration, but the complications from injectable exogenous growth factor seem to be growing. However, there is no detailed summary of complications and sequential treatment protocols. It is noted that the injection of exogenous growth factor into the soft tissue is an unreasonable or even illegal procedure, which could cause uncontrollable tissue growth and some other complications., Methods: A total of 65 patients underwent analysis retrospectively for complications related to the injection of exogenous growth factor from 2017to 2022 at Xijing Hospital in China. Initially the symptoms mainly consisted of redness, skin temperature arisen, itching, tissue hypertrophy, localized swelling, mass, and lump, with later manifestations including ulcerations and purulent discharge. A comprehensive treatment scheme was formulated based on the location and size of the lumps as well as the type of complication. Post-treatment satisfaction was evaluated over a mean 16-month follow-up (range 6-39 months)., Results: A total of 65 patients participated in the treatment. Drug injection therapy was initially performed on all patients. If injections were not effective, surgical treatment (debridement/excision/liposuction) was performed. Twenty-eight patients were managed with intralesional injections alone. Patients reported improved satisfaction in 23 cases (82.14%), full symptom resolution in 3 cases (10.72%), and no improvement in 2 cases (7.14%). Surgery was required for 37 patients. Postoperative improved satisfaction was reported in 30 cases (81.08%), full symptom resolution was recorded in 4 cases (10.82%), and no improvement was seen in 3 cases (8.10%)., Conclusions: This study highlights the management of complications arising from exogenous growth factor injections through the implementation of a sequential therapy approach. Specifically, this approach involves the initial administration of drug injection therapy, and if drug injection therapy proves ineffective, then surgical treatment is pursued. In conclusion, the injection of exogenous growth factors into soft tissues should be forbidden., Level of Evidence Iv: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 ., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.)

Background: Cutaneous wound healing represents a common fundamental phenomenon requiring the participation of cells of distinct types and a major concern for the public. Evidence has confirmed that photobiomodulation (PBM) using near-infrared (NIR) can promote wound healing, but the  cells involved and the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive., Methods: Full-thickness skin defects with a diameter of 1.0 cm were made on the back of rats and randomly divided into the control group, 10 J, 15 J, and 30 J groups. The wound healing rate at days 4, 8, and 12 postoperatively was measured. HE and Masson staining was conducted to reveal the histological characteristics. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to label the epidermal stem cells (ESCs) and hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). Western blot was performed to detect the expressions of proteins associated with ESCs and HFSCs. Cutaneous wound tissues were collected for RNA sequencing. Gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis was performed, and the hub genes were identified using CytoHubba and validated by qRT-PCR., Results: PBM can promote reepithelialization, extracellular matrix deposition, and wound healing, increase the number of KRT14+/PCNA+ ESCs and KRT15+/PCNA+ HFSCs, and upregulate the protein expression of P63, Krt14, and PCNA. Three hundred and sixty-six differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 7 hub genes including Sox9, Krt5, Epcam, Cdh1, Cdh3, Dsp, and Pkp3 were identified. These DEGs are enriched in skin development, cell junction, and cadherin binding involved in cell-cell adhesion etc., while these hub genes are related to skin derived stem cells and cell adhesion., Conclusion: PBM accelerates wound healing by enhancing reepithelialization through promoting ESCs and HFSCs proliferation and elevating the expression of genes associated with stem cells and cell adhesion. This may provide a valuable alternative strategy to promote wound healing and reepithelialization by modulating the proliferation of skin derived stem cells and regulating genes related to cell adhesion., (© 2023. Korean Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society.)

Background: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been shown to have an important role in tumor development and metastasis, and abnormal expression of GPCRs is significantly associated with poor prognosis of tumor patients. In this study, we analyzed the GPCRs-related gene (GPRGs) and tumor microenvironment (TME) in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) to construct a prognostic model to help SKCM patients obtain accurate clinical treatment strategies., Methods: SKCM expression data and clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Differential expression analysis, LASSO algorithm, and univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis were used to screen prognosis-related genes (GPR19, GPR146, S1PR2, PTH1R, ADGRE5, CXCR3, GPR143, and OR2I1P) and multiple prognosis-good immune cells; the data set was analyzed according to above results and build up a GPR-TME classifier. The model was further subjected to immune infiltration, functional enrichment, tumor mutational load, immunotherapy prediction, and scRNA-seq data analysis. Finally, cellular experiments were conducted to validate the functionality of the key gene GPR19 in the model., Results: The findings indicate that high expression of GPRGs is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with SKCM, highlighting the significant role of GPRGs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in SKCM development. Notably, the group characterized by low GPR expression and a high TME exhibited the most favorable prognosis and immunotherapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, cellular assays demonstrated that knockdown of GPR19 significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasive capabilities of melanoma cells in A375 and A2058 cell lines., Conclusion: This study provides novel insights for the prognosis evaluation and treatment of melanoma, along with the identification of a new biomarker, GPR19., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The incidence of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), one of the most aggressive and lethal skin tumors, is increasing worldwide. However, for advanced SKCM, we still lack an accurate and valid way to predict its prognosis, as well as novel theories to guide the planning of treatment options for SKCM patients. Lactylation (LAC), a novel post-translational modification of histones, has been shown to promote tumor growth and inhibit the antitumor response of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in a variety of ways. We hope that this study will provide new ideas for treatment options for SKCM patients, as well as research on the molecular mechanisms of SKCM pathogenesis and development., Methods: At the level of the RNA sequencing set (TCGA, GTEx), we used differential expression analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and multifactor Cox regression analysis to screen for prognosis-related genes and calculate the corresponding LAC scores. The content of TME cells in the tumor tissue was calculated using the CIBERSORT algorithm, and the TME score was calculated based on its results. Finally, the LAC-TME classifier was established and further analyzed based on the two scores, including the construction of a prognostic model, analysis of clinicopathological characteristics, and correlation analysis of tumor mutation burden (TMB) and immunotherapy. Based on single-cell RNA sequencing data, this study analyzed the cellular composition in SKCM tissues and explored the role of LAC scores in intercellular communication. To validate the functionality of the pivotal gene CLPB in the model, cellular experiments were ultimately executed., Results: We screened a total of six prognosis-related genes (NDUFA10, NDUFA13, CLPB, RRM2B, HPDL, NARS2) and 7 TME cells with good prognosis. According to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, we found that the LAC low /TME high group had the highest overall survival (OS) and the LAC high /TME low group had the lowest OS (p value < 0.05). In further analysis of immune infiltration, tumor microenvironment (TME), functional enrichment, tumor mutational load and immunotherapy, we found that immunotherapy was more appropriate in the LAC low /TME high group. Moreover, the cellular assays exhibited substantial reductions in proliferation, migration, and invasive potentials of melanoma cells in both A375 and A2058 cell lines upon CLPB knockdown., Conclusions: The prognostic model using the combined LAC score and TME score was able to predict the prognosis of SKCM patients more consistently, and the LAC-TME classifier was able to significantly differentiate the prognosis of SKCM patients across multiple clinicopathological features. The LAC-TME classifier has an important role in the development of immunotherapy regimens for SKCM patients., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The involvement of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis and progression of various cancers has been well established. However, limited studies have investigated the role of ferroptosis-mediated tumor microenvironment (TME) in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM)., Methods: By leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing data, the nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) approach was employed to comprehensively characterize and identify distinct gene signatures within ferroptosis-associated TME cell clusters. Prognostic and treatment response analyses were conducted using both bulk datasets and external cancer cohort to evaluate the clinical implications of TME clusters., Results: This NMF-based analysis successfully delineated fibroblasts, macrophages, T cells, and B cells into multiple clusters, enabling the identification of unique gene expression patterns and the annotation of distinct TME clusters. Furthermore, pseudotime trajectories, enrichment analysis, cellular communication analysis, and gene regulatory network analysis collectively demonstrated significant intercellular communication between key TME cell clusters, thereby influencing tumor cell development through diverse mechanisms. Importantly, our bulk RNA-seq analysis revealed the prognostic significance of ferroptosis-mediated TME cell clusters in SKCM patients. Moreover, our analysis of immune checkpoint blockade highlighted the crucial role of TME cell clusters in tumor immunotherapy, facilitating the discovery of potential immunotherapeutic targets., Conclusions: In conclusion, this pioneering study employing NMF-based analysis unravels the intricate cellular communication mediated by ferroptosis within the TME and its profound implications for the pathogenesis and progression of SKCM. We provide compelling evidence for the prognostic value of ferroptosis-regulated TME cell clusters in SKCM, as well as their potential as targets for immunotherapy., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To summarize the research progress of surgical technique and immunosuppressive regimen of abdominal wall vascularized composite allograft transplantation in animals and clinical practice., Methods: The literature on abdominal wall transplantation at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed and analyzed., Results: This review includes animal and clinical studies. In animal studies, partial or total full-thickness abdominal wall transplantation models have been successfully established by researchers. Also, the use of thoracolumbar nerves has been described as an important method for functional reconstruction and prevention of long-term muscle atrophy in allogeneic abdominal wall transplantation. In clinical studies, researchers have utilized four revascularization techniques to perform abdominal wall transplantation, which has a high survival rate and a low incidence of complications., Conclusion: Abdominal wall allotransplantation is a critical reconstructive option for the difficulty closure of complex abdominal wall defects. Realizing the recanalization of the nerve in transplanted abdominal wall to the recipient is very important for the functional recovery of the allograft. The developments of similar research are beneficial for the progress of abdominal wall allotransplantation.

Hypertrophic scar is a common skin fibrosis disease. Currently, surgical resection, drug injection and radiotherapy were often used for treating it; however, limitations or adverse reactions still exist in these treatment. With the deepening understanding of immune response and related cytokines in the process of hypertrophic scar formation, the immunotherapy for hypertrophic scar is also gradually improved. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is an important member of the leukocyte family, which has different expression in different cells and exerts an immunosuppressive effect mainly through regulating the activity of immune cells infiltrated in hypertrophic scar. However, in some cases, IL-10 also exhibits an immunostimulatory effect. Therefore, its role in the formation of hypertrophic scar is critical for developing and improving the immunotherapy for hypertrophic scar.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of one-stage thinning of latissimus dorsi muscle, rectus abdominis muscle and gracilis flap in reconstruction of the hand and foot defects., Methods: From June 2009 to April 2015,24 free muscle flaps were thinned during transfer operation by removing their superficial muscle layers on the basis of their vessel pedicles running in the deep surface of flaps. The surface of the muscle flaps were covered by split-thickness skin grafts. There were 16 latissimus dorsi muscle flaps,4 gracilis flaps and 4 rectus abdominis muscle flaps. Flap size ranged from 6 cm × 4 cm to 20 cm × 12 cm. Thinned muscle flaps were used to resurface 7 hand defects and 17 foot defects., Results: All muscle flaps survived the thinning procedures without any circulation problems except for one case which suffered total flap necrosis due to venous thrombosis. Skins grafts on muscle flaps also took well. One patient experienced partial skin loss. Two patients underwent secondary debridement and thinning procedure for infection and bulkiness. During the 0.3-20 months follow-up, the contour of thinned muscle flaps matched well with the recipient areas. Reconstructed feet are able to wear regular shoes., Conclusions: Intraoperative immediate thinning of free muscle flaps can be safely accomplished during the primary reconstruction procedure. This procedure prevents the limitations of muscle flap bulkiness and may provide an alternative for surface coverage.

Objective: To investigate the angiogenesis in hypertropic scar tissue of rabbit ears at different periods and to explore a new method to prevent hyperplastic scar., Methods: Nineteen Japanese white rabbits (weigthing 2.0-2.5 kg) were made animal models of hypertropic scar of ear. At 10th, 30th, 60th and 90 days, after epithelization, the microvessel and microcirculation in hyperplastic scar of 8 rabbits were studied by microcirculation microscope and laser Doppler flowmetry. The other 11 rabbits' right or left ears were randomly chosen into experimental group and control group. At 10 days after epithelization, 40 microL of adenovirus extracellular protein with metalloprotease and thrombospondin 1 domains (Ad-METH1) was injected into tissue of scar along the perimeter of the scar in experimental group. The same volume of empty adenovirus was injected in control group. After 30 days of injection, the gross appearance of 10 rabbits' ears scar was recorded, the number of microvessel in scar was counted and HE stainning of scar tissue was performed in experimental and control groups. One additional rabbit was used to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression of METH1 by RT-PCR and Western blot after 3 days of injection., Results: The average number of microvessel at 10, 30, 60 and 90 days after epithelization was 42.37 +/- 3.89, 49.46 +/- 4.13, 33.12 +/- 4.34 and 13.24 +/- 2.31, respectively; the average value of microcirculatory perfusion at 10, 30, 60 and 90 days after epithetlization was (37.75 +/- 2.11), (59.87 +/- 6.46), (44.53 +/- 6.14) and (29.21 +/- 1.84) PU; the density of microvessels and perfusion of microcirculation in scar tissues during proliferative stage (from 10 to 60 days after epithelization) were markedly higher than that during mature period (90 days after epithelization, P < 0.05). At 10 to 30 days after epithelization, the histoligical features of scar showed early stage of proliferation and proliferative stage appearance; at 60 days after epithelization, it is still in proliferative stage, while some of scars were in mature phase; at 90 days after epithelization, the histoligical features of scar were mature period appearance. At 3 days after Ad-METH1 injection, METH1 gene was successfully expressed at both mRNA and protein levels in experimental group, but not in control group. At 30 days after injection, the gross appearance observation showed that scars in experimental group were flat and soft with the color close to normal, but scars in control group were obvious and hard. The number of microvessel of scar tissue was 12.38 +/- 2.56 in experimental group and 48.12 +/- 6.46 in control group, showing statistically significant difference between two groups (P < 0.01). In experimental group, HE staining shows that the density of microvessel and the number of fibroblasts were greatly decreased and collagen fibers arranged regularly. In control group, plenty of fibroblasts and abundant microvessels were observed. Thick and tight collagen fibers were seen in the outer layer of dermis with a irregular arrangement., Conclusion: The anti-angiogenesis by Ad-METH1 may have a promising application in the prevention of human hyperthropic scar.